US20150294125A1 - Connector - Google Patents
Connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150294125A1 US20150294125A1 US14/618,093 US201514618093A US2015294125A1 US 20150294125 A1 US20150294125 A1 US 20150294125A1 US 201514618093 A US201514618093 A US 201514618093A US 2015294125 A1 US2015294125 A1 US 2015294125A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- connector
- card
- spring portion
- movable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/0013—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers
- G06K7/0021—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers for reading/sensing record carriers having surface contacts
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
- H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
- H01R13/2442—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted with a single cantilevered beam
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/0013—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers
- G06K7/0021—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers for reading/sensing record carriers having surface contacts
- G06K7/003—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers for reading/sensing record carriers having surface contacts means for pressing the connector contacts in the direction of the card contacts to assure trustworthy electrical connection between card and connector
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
- H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
Definitions
- This invention relates to a connector to be connected to a card such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.
- SIM Subscriber Identity Module
- the connector 500 of Patent Document 1 comprises a holding member 501 and a contact 502 which is held by the holding member 501 .
- the contact 502 has a contact point 503 and a shoe portion 504 .
- the contact point 503 has a chevron shape.
- the shoe portion 504 is positioned forward of the contact point 503 .
- the holding member 501 is provided with a support portion 505 .
- the connector 500 of Patent Document 1 is needed to have the contact 502 which has an increased length. Accordingly, the connector 500 cannot be miniaturized.
- the contact 502 can have a shortened length.
- a moving distance of contact point 503 can be increased, so that the contact pressure can be increased.
- this configuration may cause the contact 502 to be buckled when the card 506 is inserted into the connector 500 .
- a connector of the present invention has two parts which are functionally separated from each other. One of the two parts is to be pressed by a card to be resiliently deformed. A remaining one of the two parts functions as a contact point.
- the present invention provides the following connector as means for solving the aforementioned drawbacks.
- One aspect of the present invention provides a connector into which a card is insertable along a rearward direction.
- the card is removable from the connector along a forward direction.
- the card has an electrode.
- the connector comprises a holding member and a contact which is held by the holding member.
- the contact has a fixed portion, a first spring portion and a second spring portion.
- the fixed portion is held by and fixed on the holding member.
- the first spring portion extends from the fixed portion.
- the first spring portion includes two pressed portions, a movable starting point and a movable end portion which is movable. Each of the two pressed portions is positioned between the movable end portion and the fixed portion.
- the inserting object is the card or a card adapter.
- the inserting object has the press portion.
- the card adapter has a frame body.
- the frame body has an outer shape same as a shape of the card.
- the contact point is to be brought into contact with the electrode of the card.
- the contact point is positioned between the free end and the movable starting point.
- the contact according to the present invention is configured to have the first spring portion and the second spring portion which are separately formed.
- the first spring portion is resiliently deformed by a movement of the inserting object (card or card adapter), and the second spring portion is provided with the contact point.
- the second spring portion is moved downward, so that the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with the free end of the second spring portion. Accordingly, the contact can be prevented from being buckled, while the sufficient moving distance of the contact point is secured.
- An existing contact can be prevented from being buckled when the card is moved in the rearward direction (insertion direction).
- the existing contact may be buckled.
- the contact can be prevented from being buckled both when the card is moved in the rearward direction (insertion direction) and when the card adapter is moved in the forward direction (removal direction).
- FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a top view showing the connector of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a front view showing the connector of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the connector of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector of FIG. 3 , taken along line VI-VI.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a front contact which is included in the connector of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a rear contact and the vicinity thereof which are included in the connector of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged, front view showing a part of the connector of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged, rear view showing a part of the connector of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view showing a part of the connector of FIG. 6 .
- the card whose outline is illustrated by two-dot chain line, is inserted into the connector so that the front contact is deformed.
- the connector is mounted on and fixed to a mount surface of a circuit board whose outline is illustrated by dotted line.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a card which is connectable to the connector of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a card adapter which corresponds to the card of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a connector according to a modification.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a connector according to another modification.
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector of patent Document 1.
- a connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to be connected with a card 20 (see FIG. 12 ).
- the connector 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has an accommodation portion 12 which can accommodate a part of the card 20 .
- the card 20 is insertable along a rearward direction (negative X-direction) into the connector 10 , and is removable along a forward direction (positive X-direction) therefrom.
- the connector 10 of the present embodiment is fixed on a mount surface 52 of a circuit board 50 when used.
- the card 20 shown in FIG. 12 is a micro SIM card and has a plurality of electrodes 24 .
- the connector 10 is used for the micro SIM card.
- FIG. 13 shows a card adapter 30 .
- the card adapter 30 is used for connecting a nano SIM card (not shown), which is smaller than the micro SIM card, to the connector 10 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the card adapter 30 has a frame body which has an outer shape same as a shape of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ).
- the frame body has an inner wall 36 .
- An inside of the frame body of the card adapter 30 is formed with a space 32 which corresponds to an outer shape of the nano SIM card (not shown).
- the nano SIM card (not shown) is received in the space 32 of the card adapter 30 , and the card adapter 30 is then inserted into the connector 10 together with the nano SIM card (not shown), so that the nano SIM card (not shown) can be connected with the connector 10 .
- the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ) or the card adapter 30 (see FIG. 13 ) is insertable as an inserting object into the connector 10 of the present embodiment (see FIG. 2 ).
- the card 20 has a first front edge 22 in an insertion direction (i.e. rearward direction: negative X-direction).
- the card adapter 30 has a second front edge 34 in the insertion direction (i.e. rearward direction: negative X-direction). It is necessary to prevent a contact from being buckled by the first front edge 22 when the card 20 is inserted into the connector 10 and by the second front edge 34 when the card adapter 30 is inserted thereinto.
- the connector 10 of the present embodiment has a first structural feature which prevents the contact from being buckled by a press portion when an inserting object is moved along a moving direction, wherein the inserting object and the press portion are the card 20 and the first front edge 22 or the card adapter 30 and the second front edge 34 , and the moving direction is the rearward direction.
- the connector 10 of the present embodiment has a second structural feature which prevents the contact from being buckled by a press portion when an inserting object is moved along a moving direction, wherein the inserting object is the card adapter 30 without receiving the nano SIM card (not shown), the moving direction is the forward direction, and the press portion is the part of the inner wall 36 of the card adapter 30 which intersects the forward direction.
- first structural feature is essentially same as the second structural feature, a moving direction of the inserting object corresponding to the first structural feature is opposite to that corresponding to the second structural feature. Accordingly, the first structural feature and the second structural feature are arranged toward orientations opposite to each other in a front-rear direction (X-direction). It is described below as structural details of the connector 10 of the present embodiment which include the first structural feature and the second structural feature.
- the connector 10 of the present embodiment comprises a holding member 100 , a shell 200 , front contacts (contacts) 300 and rear contacts (contacts) 400 .
- the connector 10 is mainly made of insulator.
- the shell 200 is made of metal.
- Each of the front contacts 300 is made of metal.
- Each of the rear contacts 400 is made of metal.
- the holding member 100 holds the front contacts 300 and the rear contacts 400 .
- the front contacts 300 are positioned forward of the rear contacts 400 , respectively.
- the front contacts 300 and the rear contacts 400 are incorporated in the holding member 100 upon a molding of the holding member 100 via insert-molding process.
- the shell 200 and the holding member 100 are coupled with each other to form the aforementioned accommodation portion 12 .
- the shell 200 is attached to the holding member 100 and forms the accommodation portion 12 together with the holding member 100 .
- the holding member 100 has a principal surface 102 which forms a bottom surface of the accommodation portion 12 .
- the holding member 100 is formed with receiving portions 110 F, 110 R.
- the receiving portions 110 F receive parts of the front contacts 300 , respectively, and the receiving portions 1108 receive parts of the rear contact 400 , respectively.
- a reinforcing member 120 which is made of metal, is embedded into the holding member 100 of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the holding member 100 has sufficient strength while having a reduced thickness.
- each of the front contacts 300 has a fixed portion 310 , a first spring portion 320 and a second spring portion 370 .
- the fixed portion 310 is held by and fixed on the holding member 100 .
- the first spring portion 320 extends from the fixed portion 310 .
- the second spring portion 370 extends from the first spring portion 320 .
- the first spring portion 320 has a first beam portion 330 , a second beam portion 340 , a coupling portion 350 and a connection end portion 360 .
- each of the first beam portion 330 and the second beam portion 340 extends roughly in the front-rear direction (X-direction).
- the first beam portion 330 has a pressed portion 334 and a first front end portion 336 .
- the pressed portion 334 is provided as a part of the first beam portion 330 .
- the pressed portion 334 intersects the front-rear direction in an initial state where the card 20 or the card adapter 30 is not yet inserted into the connector 10 .
- the second beam portion 340 has a pressed portion 344 and a second front end portion 346 .
- the pressed portion 344 is provided as a part of the second beam portion 340 .
- the pressed portion 344 intersects the front-rear direction in the initial state. Accordingly, when the inserting object (card 20 shown in FIG. 12 or card adapter 30 shown in FIG. 13 ) is moved along the moving direction (rearward), the pressed portions 334 , 344 are pressed by the press portion (i.e. first front edge 22 or second front edge 34 ) to be moved downward (in the negative Z-direction).
- the coupling portion 350 couples the first beam portion 330 with the second beam portion 340 in a lateral direction (Y-direction).
- the first spring portion 320 has a portion having an H-like shape which is formed by the first beam portion 330 , the second beam portion 340 and the coupling portion 350 .
- a middle of the coupling portion 350 in the lateral direction functions as a movable starting point 352 .
- the movable starting point 352 is provided as a part of the coupling portion 350 .
- connection end portion 360 connects the first front end portion 336 of the first beam portion 330 with the second front end portion 346 of the second beam portion 340 .
- the connection end portion 360 is provided with a single movable end portion 362 .
- the movable end portion 362 comprises the first front end portion 336 and the second front end portion 346 , and is formed as a part of the connection end portion 360 .
- the movable end portion 362 is positioned forward (toward a positive X-side) of the pressed portions 334 , 344 .
- each of the pressed portions 334 , 344 is positioned between the movable end portion 362 and the fixed portion 310 .
- each of the pressed portions 334 , 344 of the present embodiment is positioned between the movable end portion 362 and the coupling portion 350 .
- the movable end portions 362 are positioned apart from the receiving portion 110 F, respectively.
- FIGS. 6 , 7 and 11 when the inserting object (card 20 shown in FIG. 12 or card adapter 30 shown in FIG.
- the accommodation portion 12 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 12 so that the pressed portions 334 , 344 are pressed by the press portion (first front edge 22 or second front edge 34 ) to deform the front contacts 300 , the movable end portions 362 are received in the aforementioned receiving portions 110 F of the holding member 100 , respectively, and are slid to be moved on the receiving portions 110 F, respectively.
- the first front end portion 336 of the first beam portion 330 and the second end portion 346 of the second beam portion 340 are unified by the connection end portion 360 , so that the first spring portion 320 includes the single the movable end portion 362 . Accordingly, even if the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ) is inserted into the connector 10 in a direction obliquely to the front-rear direction, the first spring portion 320 can be prevented from being broken.
- the second spring portion 370 extends forward from the movable starting point 352 .
- the second spring portion 370 is provided with a front end 372 and a contact point 374 .
- the front end 372 functions as a free end.
- the contact point 374 is to be brought into contact with one of the electrodes 24 of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ).
- the contact point 374 is positioned between the front end 372 and the movable starting point 352 .
- the second spring portion 370 is positioned between the two pressed portions 334 , 344 in the lateral direction.
- the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 is positioned rearward (toward a negative X-side) of the pressed portions 334 , 344 .
- the inserting object card 20 shown in FIG. 12 or card adapter 30 shown in FIG. 13
- the inserting object brings into abutment with the pressed portions 334 , 344 before arriving at a position of the front end 372 and then pushes the pressed portions 334 , 344 downward. Since the pressed portions 334 , 344 are pushed downward as described above, the movable starting point 352 is moved downward.
- the second spring portion 370 is moved downward together with the aforementioned movement of the movable starting point 352 .
- the second spring portion 370 is moved downward from its initial position when the inserting object arrives at the position of the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 in the front-rear direction, so that the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 .
- the front contacts 300 especially the second spring portions 370 , are prevented from being buckled when the inserting object is inserted into the connector 10 .
- the first beam portion 330 has a first upper surface 332
- the second beam portion 340 has a second upper surface 342 .
- the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 of the present embodiment is positioned below (toward a negative Z-side of) the first upper surface 332 of the first beam portion 330 and below (toward the negative Z-side of) the second upper surface 342 of the second beam portion 340 .
- the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 is positioned below a surface (curved surface) which is formed by the first upper surface 332 of the first beam portion 330 and the second upper surface 342 of the second beam portion 340 .
- each of the front contacts 300 is absolutely prevented from being buckled.
- the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 may be positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) the first upper surface 332 of the first beam portion 330 and above (toward the positive Z-side of) the second upper surface 342 of the second beam portion 340 in the initial state.
- the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 is positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) the principal surface 102 of the holding member 100 in the initial state. Accordingly, it is possible to make a position of the contact point 374 higher, so that a sufficient moving distance of the contact point 374 can be secured. Thus, a sufficient contact pressure can be secured between the contact point 374 and the electrode 24 of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ).
- the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 is provided so as not to reach the mount surface 52 of the circuit board 50 in a state where the electrode 24 of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ) is brought into contact with the contact point 374 .
- the front end 372 of the second spring portion 370 never abuts against the circuit board 50 . Accordingly, the circuit board 50 can be prevented from being damaged, and the second spring portion 370 can be prevented from being deformed.
- each of the rear contacts 400 has a fixed portion 410 , a first spring portion 420 and a second spring portion 470 .
- the fixed portion 410 is held by and fixed on the holding member 100 .
- the first spring portion 420 extends from the fixed portion 410 .
- the second spring portion 470 extends from the first spring portion 420 .
- the first spring portion 420 has a first beam portion 430 , a second beam portion 440 , a coupling portion 450 and an additional coupling portion 460 .
- each of the first beam portion 430 and the second beam portion 440 extends roughly in the front-rear direction.
- the first beam portion 430 has a pressed portion 434 and a first front end portion 436 .
- the pressed portion 434 intersects the front-rear direction in the initial state.
- the second beam portion 440 has a pressed portion 444 and a second front end portion 446 , and the pressed portion 444 intersects the front-rear direction in the initial state. Accordingly, when the inserting object (card adapter 30 shown in FIG. 13 ) is moved along the moving direction (forward), the pressed portions 434 , 444 are pressed by the press portion (i.e. inner wall 36 ) to be moved downward.
- the coupling portion 450 couples the first beam portion 430 with the second beam portion 440 in the lateral direction.
- the additional coupling portion 460 couples the first beam portion 430 with the second beam portion 440 in the lateral direction.
- a ladder shape is formed by the first beam portion 430 , the second beam portion 440 , the coupling portion 450 and the additional coupling portion 460 .
- a middle of the coupling portion 450 in the lateral direction functions as a movable starting point 452 .
- the movable starting point 452 is provided as a part of the coupling portion 450 .
- each of the first front end portion 436 of the first beam portion 430 and the second front end portion 446 of the second beam portion 440 functions as a movable end portion.
- each of the rear contacts 400 of the present embodiment has two movable end portions 436 , 446 .
- each of the movable end portions 436 , 446 is positioned forward (toward the positive X-side) of the pressed portions 434 , 444 .
- each of the pressed portions 434 , 444 is positioned between the movable end portions 436 , 446 and the fixed portion 410 .
- each of the pressed portions 434 , 444 of the present embodiment is positioned between the fixed portion 410 and the coupling portion 450 .
- the movable end portions 436 correspond to the receiving portions 1108 , respectively.
- the movable end portions 446 correspond to the receiving portions 110 R, respectively.
- the movable end portions 436 , 446 are positioned apart from the corresponding receiving portion 110 R.
- the inserting object card adapter 30 shown in FIG. 13
- the removal direction forward
- the pressed portions 434 , 444 are pressed by the press portion (i.e. inner wall 36 ) to deform the rear contacts 400
- the movable end portions 436 , 446 are received in the corresponding receiving portions 110 R of the holding member 100 and are slid to be moved on the corresponding receiving portions 110 R.
- the two movable end portions 436 , 446 are received by the corresponding receiving portion 1108 , so that stresses applied to the movable end portions 436 , 446 can be dispersed.
- the second spring portion 470 extends rearward from the movable starting point 452 .
- the second spring portion 470 is provided with a rear end 472 and a contact point 474 .
- the rear end 472 functions as a free end.
- the contact point 474 is to be brought into contact with one of the electrodes 24 of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ).
- the contact point 474 is positioned between the rear end 472 and the movable starting point 452 .
- the second spring portion 470 is positioned between the two pressed portions 434 , 444 in the lateral direction.
- the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 is positioned forward (toward the positive X-side) of the pressed portions 434 , 444 . Accordingly, when the inserting object (card adapter 30 shown in FIG. 13 ) is moved in the moving direction (forward), the press portion (inner wall 36 ) of the inserting object brings into abutment with the pressed portions 434 , 444 before arriving at a position of the rear end 472 and pushes the pressed portions 434 , 444 downward. Since the pressed portions 434 , 444 are pushed downward as described above, the movable starting point 452 is moved downward.
- the second spring portion 470 is moved downward together with the aforementioned movement of the movable starting point 452 .
- the second spring portion 470 is moved downward from its initial position when the press portion (inner wall 36 ) of the inserting object arrives at the position of the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 in the front-rear direction, so that the press portion of the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 .
- the rear contacts 400 especially the second spring portions 470 , are prevented from being buckled when the inserting object is inserted into the connector 10 .
- the first beam portion 430 has a first upper surface 432
- the second beam portion 440 has a second upper surface 442 .
- the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 of the present embodiment is positioned below (toward the negative Z-side of) the first upper surface 432 of the first beam portion 430 and below (toward the negative Z-side of) the second upper surface 442 of the second beam portion 440 .
- the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 is positioned below a surface (curved surface) which is formed by the first upper surface 432 of the first beam portion 430 and the second upper surface 442 of the second beam portion 440 .
- each of the rear contacts 400 is absolutely prevented from being buckled.
- the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 may be positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) the first upper surface 432 of the first beam portion 430 and above (toward the positive Z-side of) the second upper surface 442 of the second beam portion 440 in the initial state.
- the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 is positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) the principal surface 102 of the holding member 100 in the initial state. Accordingly, it is possible to make a position of the contact point 474 higher, so that a sufficient moving distance of the contact point 474 can be secured. Thus, a sufficient contact pressure can be secured between the contact point 474 and the electrode 24 of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ).
- the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 is provided so as not to reach the mount surface 52 of the circuit board 50 in a state where the electrode 24 of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ) is brought into contact with the contact point 474 .
- the rear end 472 of the second spring portion 470 never abuts against the circuit board 50 . Accordingly, the circuit board 50 can be prevented from being damaged, and the second spring portion 470 can be prevented from being deformed.
- the present invention has been described with specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment. Various modifications and applications are possible with the present invention.
- the first spring portion 320 of the front contact 300 may have an hourglass-like outline
- the first spring portion 420 of the rear contact 400 may have an hourglass-like outline.
- the movable end portion 362 is positioned apart from the receiving portion 110 F in the initial state.
- the movable end portions 436 , 446 are positioned apart from the corresponding receiving portion 110 F in the initial state.
- the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the movable end portion 362 may be brought into contact with the receiving portion 110 F in the initial state.
- the movable end portions 436 , 446 may be brought into contact with the corresponding receiving portion 110 R in the initial state.
- the first front end portion 336 of the first beam portion 330 and the second front end portion 346 of the second beam portion 340 are unified by the connection end portion 360 into a single part.
- the first front end portion 336 of the first beam portion 330 and the second front end portion 346 of the second beam portion 340 may function as movable end portions, respectively, without being provided with the connection end portion 360 . In that case, stresses applied to the first front end portions 336 and the second front end portion 346 can be dispersed.
- the front contact 300 might be broken when the card (see FIG. 12 ) is obliquely inserted into the connector 10 . Accordingly, it is preferred to provide the connection end portion 360 as in the aforementioned embodiment.
- the second spring portion 370 of the front contact 300 extends forward from the movable starting point 352 of the coupling portion 350 .
- the second spring portion 370 may extend rearward from the movable starting point 352 of the coupling portion 350 .
- the front contact 300 must be designed so as not to be buckled when the card adapter 30 without receiving the card 20 is removed from the connector 10 .
- the pressed portions 334 , 344 it is necessary for the pressed portions 334 , 344 to be positioned rearward of a rear end (free end) of the second spring portion 370 as in the pressed portions 434 , 444 .
- the holding member 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the receiving portions 110 F, 110 R as described above, the present invention is not limited thereto.
- a holding member 100 A of a connector 10 A according to a modification is not provided with a portion equivalent to the receiving portion.
- the receiving portion 110 R does not need to be provided.
- a part of the mount surface 52 of the circuit board 50 (see FIG. 11 ) provides a function similar to a function of the receiving portion, so that a moving distance of the contact point 374 is varied according to a mounted state where the connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board 50 .
- the connector 10 in order to secure a constant contact pressure between the contact point 374 and the electrode 24 of the card 20 (see FIG. 12 ), it is preferred for the connector 10 to be configured as in the aforementioned embodiment.
- a holding member 100 B of a connector 10 B incorporates a receiving portion 110 M made of metal.
- the receiving portion 110 M movably receives the movable end portion 362 .
- the receiving portion 110 M may be formed by using a part of a modified front contact whose shape is modified from that of the front contact 300 .
- the receiving portion 110 M may be formed by using a part of the reinforcing member 120 .
- FIG. 15 shows only the receiving portion 110 M which corresponds to the front contact 300 .
- a receiving portion which corresponds to the rear contact 400 may be formed similar to the receiving portion 110 M.
- the first spring portion 320 of the front contact 300 has the portion having the H-like shape which is formed by the first beam portion 330 , the second beam portion 340 and the coupling portion 350 .
- the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the first spring portion 320 may have a Y-like shape, wherein the first spring portion 320 is branched at a branching point into two arms.
- the second spring portion 370 extends from the branching point, and the pressed portions 334 , 344 are provided on the two arms, respectively.
- the first spring portion 420 of the rear contact 400 also may be modified similarly.
- the connector 10 is used for the micro SIM card.
- the card 20 may be a normal SIM card.
- the connector 10 may be used for the normal SIM card.
- the card adapter 30 is used for connecting, for example, the micro SIM card to the connector 10 .
- the connector 10 may be provided with a push-push mechanism which ejects the inserting object (card 20 or card adapter 30 ) when the inserting object is released after being pushed in the rearward direction.
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- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
The connector comprises a holding member and a contact which is held by the holding member. The contact has a fixed portion, a first spring portion and a second spring portion. The fixed portion is held by and fixed on the holding member. The first spring portion extends from the fixed portion. The first spring portion includes two pressed portions, a movable starting point and a movable end portion which is movable. When an inserting object is moved along a moving direction which is a forward direction or a rearward direction, the pressed portions are pressed by a press portion to be moved downward perpendicular to the moving direction. The inserting object is a card or a card adapter. The inserting object has the press portion. The second spring portion is provided with a free end and a contact point. When the inserting object is moved in the moving direction, the second spring portion is moved downward together with a movement of the movable starting point so that the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with the free end of the second spring portion.
Description
- An applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Patent Application No. JP2014-079932 filed Apr. 9, 2014.
- This invention relates to a connector to be connected to a card such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.
- A connector of this type is disclosed in JP-A 2009-129890 (Patent Document 1). As shown in
FIG. 16 , theconnector 500 of Patent Document 1 comprises aholding member 501 and acontact 502 which is held by theholding member 501. Thecontact 502 has acontact point 503 and ashoe portion 504. Thecontact point 503 has a chevron shape. Theshoe portion 504 is positioned forward of thecontact point 503. Theholding member 501 is provided with asupport portion 505. When acard 506 is inserted into theconnector 500, thecontact point 503 is pressed by thecard 506 to be resiliently deformed, so that theshoe portion 504 is slid on thesupport portion 505. Accordingly, even if theconnector 500 is reduced in height, theconnector 500 can secure a contact pressure between thecontact 502 and anelectrode 507 of thecard 506. - However, the
connector 500 of Patent Document 1 is needed to have thecontact 502 which has an increased length. Accordingly, theconnector 500 cannot be miniaturized. - If the
shoe portion 504 is removed from thecontact 502 of Patent Document 1, thecontact 502 can have a shortened length. In addition, if an initial position of thecontact point 503 of thecontact 502 is shifted above its original initial position shown inFIG. 16 , a moving distance ofcontact point 503 can be increased, so that the contact pressure can be increased. However, this configuration may cause thecontact 502 to be buckled when thecard 506 is inserted into theconnector 500. - In order to secure a sufficient moving distance of a contact point and to prevent a contact from being buckled, a connector of the present invention has two parts which are functionally separated from each other. One of the two parts is to be pressed by a card to be resiliently deformed. A remaining one of the two parts functions as a contact point. Specifically, the present invention provides the following connector as means for solving the aforementioned drawbacks.
- One aspect of the present invention provides a connector into which a card is insertable along a rearward direction. The card is removable from the connector along a forward direction. The card has an electrode. The connector comprises a holding member and a contact which is held by the holding member. The contact has a fixed portion, a first spring portion and a second spring portion. The fixed portion is held by and fixed on the holding member. The first spring portion extends from the fixed portion. The first spring portion includes two pressed portions, a movable starting point and a movable end portion which is movable. Each of the two pressed portions is positioned between the movable end portion and the fixed portion. When an inserting object is moved along a moving direction which is the forward direction or the rearward direction, the pressed portions are pressed by a press portion to be moved downward perpendicular to the moving direction. The inserting object is the card or a card adapter. The inserting object has the press portion. The card adapter has a frame body. The frame body has an outer shape same as a shape of the card. When the pressed portions are moved downward, the movable starting point is moved downward. The second spring portion extends from the movable starting point. The second spring portion is positioned between the two pressed portions in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the moving direction and a downward direction. The second spring portion is provided with a free end and a contact point. The contact point is to be brought into contact with the electrode of the card. The contact point is positioned between the free end and the movable starting point. When the inserting object is moved in the moving direction, the second spring portion is moved downward together with a movement of the movable starting point so that the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with the free end of the second spring portion.
- The contact according to the present invention is configured to have the first spring portion and the second spring portion which are separately formed. In detail, the first spring portion is resiliently deformed by a movement of the inserting object (card or card adapter), and the second spring portion is provided with the contact point. When the inserting object is moved, the second spring portion is moved downward, so that the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with the free end of the second spring portion. Accordingly, the contact can be prevented from being buckled, while the sufficient moving distance of the contact point is secured.
- An existing contact can be prevented from being buckled when the card is moved in the rearward direction (insertion direction). However, when the card adapter is moved in the forward direction (removal direction), the existing contact may be buckled. In the present invention, the contact can be prevented from being buckled both when the card is moved in the rearward direction (insertion direction) and when the card adapter is moved in the forward direction (removal direction).
- An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top view showing the connector ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the connector ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the connector ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector ofFIG. 3 , taken along line VI-VI. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a front contact which is included in the connector ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a rear contact and the vicinity thereof which are included in the connector ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, front view showing a part of the connector ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, rear view showing a part of the connector ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view showing a part of the connector ofFIG. 6 . The card, whose outline is illustrated by two-dot chain line, is inserted into the connector so that the front contact is deformed. The connector is mounted on and fixed to a mount surface of a circuit board whose outline is illustrated by dotted line. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a card which is connectable to the connector ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a card adapter which corresponds to the card ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a connector according to a modification. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a connector according to another modification. -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector of patent Document 1. - While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
- With reference to
FIGS. 1 to 6 , aconnector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to be connected with a card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ). As shown inFIG. 2 , theconnector 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has anaccommodation portion 12 which can accommodate a part of thecard 20. Specifically, thecard 20 is insertable along a rearward direction (negative X-direction) into theconnector 10, and is removable along a forward direction (positive X-direction) therefrom. As shown inFIG. 11 , theconnector 10 of the present embodiment is fixed on amount surface 52 of acircuit board 50 when used. - The
card 20 shown inFIG. 12 is a micro SIM card and has a plurality ofelectrodes 24. In other words, theconnector 10 is used for the micro SIM card.FIG. 13 shows acard adapter 30. Thecard adapter 30 is used for connecting a nano SIM card (not shown), which is smaller than the micro SIM card, to the connector 10 (seeFIG. 2 ). Specifically, thecard adapter 30 has a frame body which has an outer shape same as a shape of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ). The frame body has aninner wall 36. An inside of the frame body of thecard adapter 30 is formed with aspace 32 which corresponds to an outer shape of the nano SIM card (not shown). The nano SIM card (not shown) is received in thespace 32 of thecard adapter 30, and thecard adapter 30 is then inserted into theconnector 10 together with the nano SIM card (not shown), so that the nano SIM card (not shown) can be connected with theconnector 10. - As understood from the above explanation, either the card 20 (see
FIG. 12 ) or the card adapter 30 (seeFIG. 13 ) is insertable as an inserting object into theconnector 10 of the present embodiment (seeFIG. 2 ). Thecard 20 has a firstfront edge 22 in an insertion direction (i.e. rearward direction: negative X-direction). Thecard adapter 30 has a secondfront edge 34 in the insertion direction (i.e. rearward direction: negative X-direction). It is necessary to prevent a contact from being buckled by the firstfront edge 22 when thecard 20 is inserted into theconnector 10 and by the secondfront edge 34 when thecard adapter 30 is inserted thereinto. In addition, in a case where thecard adapter 30 is inserted into theconnector 10 without receiving the nano SIM card (not shown), it is necessary to prevent the contact from being buckled by theinner wall 36 close to the secondfront edge 34 when thecard adapter 30 is removed along a removal direction (i.e. forward direction: positive X-direction). Especially, it is necessary to prevent the contact from being buckled by a part of theinner wall 36 of thecard adapter 30 which intersects the forward direction. Accordingly, theconnector 10 of the present embodiment has a first structural feature which prevents the contact from being buckled by a press portion when an inserting object is moved along a moving direction, wherein the inserting object and the press portion are thecard 20 and the firstfront edge 22 or thecard adapter 30 and the secondfront edge 34, and the moving direction is the rearward direction. In addition, theconnector 10 of the present embodiment has a second structural feature which prevents the contact from being buckled by a press portion when an inserting object is moved along a moving direction, wherein the inserting object is thecard adapter 30 without receiving the nano SIM card (not shown), the moving direction is the forward direction, and the press portion is the part of theinner wall 36 of thecard adapter 30 which intersects the forward direction. - Although the first structural feature is essentially same as the second structural feature, a moving direction of the inserting object corresponding to the first structural feature is opposite to that corresponding to the second structural feature. Accordingly, the first structural feature and the second structural feature are arranged toward orientations opposite to each other in a front-rear direction (X-direction). It is described below as structural details of the
connector 10 of the present embodiment which include the first structural feature and the second structural feature. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theconnector 10 of the present embodiment comprises a holdingmember 100, ashell 200, front contacts (contacts) 300 and rear contacts (contacts) 400. Theconnector 10 is mainly made of insulator. Theshell 200 is made of metal. Each of thefront contacts 300 is made of metal. Each of therear contacts 400 is made of metal. - The holding
member 100 holds thefront contacts 300 and therear contacts 400. Thefront contacts 300 are positioned forward of therear contacts 400, respectively. In the present embodiment, thefront contacts 300 and therear contacts 400 are incorporated in the holdingmember 100 upon a molding of the holdingmember 100 via insert-molding process. - The
shell 200 and the holdingmember 100 are coupled with each other to form theaforementioned accommodation portion 12. In other words, theshell 200 is attached to the holdingmember 100 and forms theaccommodation portion 12 together with the holdingmember 100. As understood fromFIGS. 1 and 2 , the holdingmember 100 has aprincipal surface 102 which forms a bottom surface of theaccommodation portion 12. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6 , the holdingmember 100 is formed with receivingportions portions 110F receive parts of thefront contacts 300, respectively, and the receiving portions 1108 receive parts of therear contact 400, respectively. In addition, a reinforcingmember 120, which is made of metal, is embedded into the holdingmember 100 of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the holdingmember 100 has sufficient strength while having a reduced thickness. - As understood from
FIGS. 6 and 7 , each of thefront contacts 300 has a fixedportion 310, afirst spring portion 320 and asecond spring portion 370. The fixedportion 310 is held by and fixed on the holdingmember 100. Thefirst spring portion 320 extends from the fixedportion 310. Thesecond spring portion 370 extends from thefirst spring portion 320. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thefirst spring portion 320 has afirst beam portion 330, asecond beam portion 340, acoupling portion 350 and aconnection end portion 360. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , each of thefirst beam portion 330 and thesecond beam portion 340 extends roughly in the front-rear direction (X-direction). Thefirst beam portion 330 has a pressedportion 334 and a firstfront end portion 336. Specifically, the pressedportion 334 is provided as a part of thefirst beam portion 330. As shown inFIG. 6 , the pressedportion 334 intersects the front-rear direction in an initial state where thecard 20 or thecard adapter 30 is not yet inserted into theconnector 10. As understood fromFIGS. 6 and 7 , thesecond beam portion 340 has a pressedportion 344 and a secondfront end portion 346. Specifically, the pressedportion 344 is provided as a part of thesecond beam portion 340. The pressedportion 344 intersects the front-rear direction in the initial state. Accordingly, when the inserting object (card 20 shown inFIG. 12 orcard adapter 30 shown inFIG. 13 ) is moved along the moving direction (rearward), the pressedportions front edge 22 or second front edge 34) to be moved downward (in the negative Z-direction). - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thecoupling portion 350 couples thefirst beam portion 330 with thesecond beam portion 340 in a lateral direction (Y-direction). Specifically, thefirst spring portion 320 has a portion having an H-like shape which is formed by thefirst beam portion 330, thesecond beam portion 340 and thecoupling portion 350. In the present embodiment, a middle of thecoupling portion 350 in the lateral direction functions as amovable starting point 352. Specifically, themovable starting point 352 is provided as a part of thecoupling portion 350. When the pressedportions movable starting point 352 is moved downward in cooperation with movements of thefirst beam portion 330 and thesecond beam portion 340. - The
connection end portion 360 connects the firstfront end portion 336 of thefirst beam portion 330 with the secondfront end portion 346 of thesecond beam portion 340. Theconnection end portion 360 is provided with a singlemovable end portion 362. Specifically, themovable end portion 362 comprises the firstfront end portion 336 and the secondfront end portion 346, and is formed as a part of theconnection end portion 360. As understood fromFIGS. 6 , 7 and 11, themovable end portion 362 is positioned forward (toward a positive X-side) of the pressedportions portions movable end portion 362 and the fixedportion 310. Especially, each of the pressedportions movable end portion 362 and thecoupling portion 350. As shown inFIG. 6 , in the initial state, themovable end portions 362 are positioned apart from the receivingportion 110F, respectively. As understood fromFIGS. 6 , 7 and 11, when the inserting object (card 20 shown inFIG. 12 orcard adapter 30 shown inFIG. 13 ) is accommodated in theaccommodation portion 12 so that the pressedportions front edge 22 or second front edge 34) to deform thefront contacts 300, themovable end portions 362 are received in theaforementioned receiving portions 110F of the holdingmember 100, respectively, and are slid to be moved on the receivingportions 110F, respectively. - In the present embodiment, the first
front end portion 336 of thefirst beam portion 330 and thesecond end portion 346 of thesecond beam portion 340 are unified by theconnection end portion 360, so that thefirst spring portion 320 includes the single themovable end portion 362. Accordingly, even if the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ) is inserted into theconnector 10 in a direction obliquely to the front-rear direction, thefirst spring portion 320 can be prevented from being broken. - With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , thesecond spring portion 370 extends forward from themovable starting point 352. Thesecond spring portion 370 is provided with afront end 372 and acontact point 374. Thefront end 372 functions as a free end. Thecontact point 374 is to be brought into contact with one of theelectrodes 24 of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ). Thecontact point 374 is positioned between thefront end 372 and themovable starting point 352. As shown inFIG. 7 , thesecond spring portion 370 is positioned between the two pressedportions - As understood from
FIGS. 6 and 7 , thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 is positioned rearward (toward a negative X-side) of the pressedportions card 20 shown inFIG. 12 orcard adapter 30 shown inFIG. 13 ) is moved in the moving direction (rearward), the inserting object brings into abutment with the pressedportions front end 372 and then pushes the pressedportions portions movable starting point 352 is moved downward. Accordingly, thesecond spring portion 370 is moved downward together with the aforementioned movement of themovable starting point 352. In the present embodiment, thesecond spring portion 370 is moved downward from its initial position when the inserting object arrives at the position of thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 in the front-rear direction, so that the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370. Thus, thefront contacts 300, especially thesecond spring portions 370, are prevented from being buckled when the inserting object is inserted into theconnector 10. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thefirst beam portion 330 has a firstupper surface 332, and thesecond beam portion 340 has a secondupper surface 342. In the initial state, when thefront contact 300 is seen along the lateral direction, thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 of the present embodiment is positioned below (toward a negative Z-side of) the firstupper surface 332 of thefirst beam portion 330 and below (toward the negative Z-side of) the secondupper surface 342 of thesecond beam portion 340. Specifically, thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 is positioned below a surface (curved surface) which is formed by the firstupper surface 332 of thefirst beam portion 330 and the secondupper surface 342 of thesecond beam portion 340. Accordingly, each of thefront contacts 300 is absolutely prevented from being buckled. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Unless the inserting object brings into abutment with thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370, thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 may be positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) the firstupper surface 332 of thefirst beam portion 330 and above (toward the positive Z-side of) the secondupper surface 342 of thesecond beam portion 340 in the initial state. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 , 6 and 9, thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 is positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) theprincipal surface 102 of the holdingmember 100 in the initial state. Accordingly, it is possible to make a position of thecontact point 374 higher, so that a sufficient moving distance of thecontact point 374 can be secured. Thus, a sufficient contact pressure can be secured between thecontact point 374 and theelectrode 24 of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ). - As shown in
FIG. 11 , thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 is provided so as not to reach themount surface 52 of thecircuit board 50 in a state where theelectrode 24 of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ) is brought into contact with thecontact point 374. Specifically, thefront end 372 of thesecond spring portion 370 never abuts against thecircuit board 50. Accordingly, thecircuit board 50 can be prevented from being damaged, and thesecond spring portion 370 can be prevented from being deformed. - As understood from
FIGS. 6 and 8 , each of therear contacts 400 has a fixedportion 410, afirst spring portion 420 and asecond spring portion 470. The fixedportion 410 is held by and fixed on the holdingmember 100. Thefirst spring portion 420 extends from the fixedportion 410. Thesecond spring portion 470 extends from thefirst spring portion 420. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thefirst spring portion 420 has afirst beam portion 430, asecond beam portion 440, acoupling portion 450 and anadditional coupling portion 460. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , each of thefirst beam portion 430 and thesecond beam portion 440 extends roughly in the front-rear direction. Thefirst beam portion 430 has a pressedportion 434 and a firstfront end portion 436. As shown inFIG. 6 , the pressedportion 434 intersects the front-rear direction in the initial state. As understood fromFIGS. 6 and 8 , thesecond beam portion 440 has a pressedportion 444 and a secondfront end portion 446, and the pressedportion 444 intersects the front-rear direction in the initial state. Accordingly, when the inserting object (card adapter 30 shown inFIG. 13 ) is moved along the moving direction (forward), the pressedportions - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thecoupling portion 450 couples thefirst beam portion 430 with thesecond beam portion 440 in the lateral direction. Similarly, theadditional coupling portion 460 couples thefirst beam portion 430 with thesecond beam portion 440 in the lateral direction. Specifically, a ladder shape is formed by thefirst beam portion 430, thesecond beam portion 440, thecoupling portion 450 and theadditional coupling portion 460. In the present embodiment, a middle of thecoupling portion 450 in the lateral direction functions as amovable starting point 452. Specifically, themovable starting point 452 is provided as a part of thecoupling portion 450. When the pressedportions movable starting point 452 is moved downward in cooperation with movements of thefirst beam portion 430 and thesecond beam portion 440. - Each of the first
front end portion 436 of thefirst beam portion 430 and the secondfront end portion 446 of thesecond beam portion 440 functions as a movable end portion. In other words, each of therear contacts 400 of the present embodiment has twomovable end portions FIGS. 6 and 8 , each of themovable end portions portions portions movable end portions portion 410. Especially, each of the pressedportions portion 410 and thecoupling portion 450. Themovable end portions 436 correspond to the receiving portions 1108, respectively. Similarly, themovable end portions 446 correspond to the receivingportions 110R, respectively. As shown inFIG. 6 , in the initial state, themovable end portions portion 110R. As understood fromFIGS. 6 and 8 , when the inserting object (card adapter 30 shown inFIG. 13 ) is moved in the removal direction (forward) so that the pressedportions rear contacts 400, themovable end portions portions 110R of the holdingmember 100 and are slid to be moved on the corresponding receivingportions 110R. - In the present embodiment, the two
movable end portions movable end portions - With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 8 , thesecond spring portion 470 extends rearward from themovable starting point 452. Thesecond spring portion 470 is provided with arear end 472 and acontact point 474. Therear end 472 functions as a free end. Thecontact point 474 is to be brought into contact with one of theelectrodes 24 of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ). Thecontact point 474 is positioned between therear end 472 and themovable starting point 452. As shown inFIG. 8 , thesecond spring portion 470 is positioned between the two pressedportions - As understood from
FIGS. 6 and 8 , therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 is positioned forward (toward the positive X-side) of the pressedportions card adapter 30 shown inFIG. 13 ) is moved in the moving direction (forward), the press portion (inner wall 36) of the inserting object brings into abutment with the pressedportions rear end 472 and pushes the pressedportions portions movable starting point 452 is moved downward. Accordingly, thesecond spring portion 470 is moved downward together with the aforementioned movement of themovable starting point 452. In the present embodiment, thesecond spring portion 470 is moved downward from its initial position when the press portion (inner wall 36) of the inserting object arrives at the position of therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 in the front-rear direction, so that the press portion of the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470. Thus, therear contacts 400, especially thesecond spring portions 470, are prevented from being buckled when the inserting object is inserted into theconnector 10. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thefirst beam portion 430 has a firstupper surface 432, and thesecond beam portion 440 has a secondupper surface 442. In the initial state, when therear contact 400 is seen along the lateral direction, therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 of the present embodiment is positioned below (toward the negative Z-side of) the firstupper surface 432 of thefirst beam portion 430 and below (toward the negative Z-side of) the secondupper surface 442 of thesecond beam portion 440. Specifically, therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 is positioned below a surface (curved surface) which is formed by the firstupper surface 432 of thefirst beam portion 430 and the secondupper surface 442 of thesecond beam portion 440. Accordingly, each of therear contacts 400 is absolutely prevented from being buckled. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Unless the press portion (inner wall 36) of the inserting object brings into abutment with therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470, therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 may be positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) the firstupper surface 432 of thefirst beam portion 430 and above (toward the positive Z-side of) the secondupper surface 442 of thesecond beam portion 440 in the initial state. - As shown in
FIGS. 5 , 6 and 10, therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 is positioned above (toward the positive Z-side of) theprincipal surface 102 of the holdingmember 100 in the initial state. Accordingly, it is possible to make a position of thecontact point 474 higher, so that a sufficient moving distance of thecontact point 474 can be secured. Thus, a sufficient contact pressure can be secured between thecontact point 474 and theelectrode 24 of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ). - Similar to the
aforementioned front contact 300 as shown inFIG. 11 , therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 is provided so as not to reach themount surface 52 of thecircuit board 50 in a state where theelectrode 24 of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ) is brought into contact with thecontact point 474. Specifically, therear end 472 of thesecond spring portion 470 never abuts against thecircuit board 50. Accordingly, thecircuit board 50 can be prevented from being damaged, and thesecond spring portion 470 can be prevented from being deformed. - While the present invention has been described with specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment. Various modifications and applications are possible with the present invention. For example, the
first spring portion 320 of thefront contact 300 may have an hourglass-like outline, and thefirst spring portion 420 of therear contact 400 may have an hourglass-like outline. - In the aforementioned embodiment, the
movable end portion 362 is positioned apart from the receivingportion 110F in the initial state. In addition, in the aforementioned embodiment, themovable end portions portion 110F in the initial state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, themovable end portion 362 may be brought into contact with the receivingportion 110F in the initial state. In addition, themovable end portions portion 110R in the initial state. - In the aforementioned embodiment, the first
front end portion 336 of thefirst beam portion 330 and the secondfront end portion 346 of thesecond beam portion 340 are unified by theconnection end portion 360 into a single part. As in thefirst beam portion 430 and thesecond beam portion 440 of therear contact 400, the firstfront end portion 336 of thefirst beam portion 330 and the secondfront end portion 346 of thesecond beam portion 340 may function as movable end portions, respectively, without being provided with theconnection end portion 360. In that case, stresses applied to the firstfront end portions 336 and the secondfront end portion 346 can be dispersed. However, thefront contact 300 might be broken when the card (seeFIG. 12 ) is obliquely inserted into theconnector 10. Accordingly, it is preferred to provide theconnection end portion 360 as in the aforementioned embodiment. - In the aforementioned embodiment, the
second spring portion 370 of thefront contact 300 extends forward from themovable starting point 352 of thecoupling portion 350. As in therear contact 400, thesecond spring portion 370 may extend rearward from themovable starting point 352 of thecoupling portion 350. In that case, thefront contact 300 must be designed so as not to be buckled when thecard adapter 30 without receiving thecard 20 is removed from theconnector 10. Thus, it is necessary for the pressedportions second spring portion 370 as in the pressedportions - Although the holding
member 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the receivingportions FIG. 14 , a holdingmember 100A of aconnector 10A according to a modification is not provided with a portion equivalent to the receiving portion. Similarly, the receivingportion 110R does not need to be provided. In that case, a part of themount surface 52 of the circuit board 50 (seeFIG. 11 ) provides a function similar to a function of the receiving portion, so that a moving distance of thecontact point 374 is varied according to a mounted state where theconnector 10 is mounted on thecircuit board 50. Accordingly, in order to secure a constant contact pressure between thecontact point 374 and theelectrode 24 of the card 20 (seeFIG. 12 ), it is preferred for theconnector 10 to be configured as in the aforementioned embodiment. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , a holdingmember 100B of aconnector 10B according to another modification incorporates a receivingportion 110M made of metal. When the pressedportions front edge 22 of thecard 20 shown inFIG. 12 or secondfront edge 34 of thecard adapter 30 shown inFIG. 13 ) to deform thefront contact 300, the receivingportion 110M movably receives themovable end portion 362. The receivingportion 110M may be formed by using a part of a modified front contact whose shape is modified from that of thefront contact 300. In addition, the receivingportion 110M may be formed by using a part of the reinforcingmember 120.FIG. 15 shows only the receivingportion 110M which corresponds to thefront contact 300. A receiving portion which corresponds to therear contact 400 may be formed similar to the receivingportion 110M. - In the aforementioned embodiment, the
first spring portion 320 of thefront contact 300 has the portion having the H-like shape which is formed by thefirst beam portion 330, thesecond beam portion 340 and thecoupling portion 350. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, thefirst spring portion 320 may have a Y-like shape, wherein thefirst spring portion 320 is branched at a branching point into two arms. In that case, thesecond spring portion 370 extends from the branching point, and the pressedportions first spring portion 420 of therear contact 400 also may be modified similarly. - In the aforementioned embodiment, the
connector 10 is used for the micro SIM card. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, thecard 20 may be a normal SIM card. Specifically, theconnector 10 may be used for the normal SIM card. In that case, thecard adapter 30 is used for connecting, for example, the micro SIM card to theconnector 10. - In the aforementioned embodiment, in order to remove the inserting object (
card 20 or card adapter 30) from theconnector 10, it is necessary for an operator to push the inserting object in the forward direction by his/her finger. Theconnector 10 may be provided with a push-push mechanism which ejects the inserting object (card 20 or card adapter 30) when the inserting object is released after being pushed in the rearward direction. - The present application is based on a Japanese patent application of JP2014-079932 filed before the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 9, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- While there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.
Claims (13)
1. A connector into which a card is insertable along a rearward direction, the connector from which the card is removable along a forward direction, the card having an electrode, wherein:
the connector comprises a holding member and a contact which is held by the holding member;
the contact has a fixed portion, a first spring portion and a second spring portion;
the fixed portion is held by and fixed on the holding member;
the first spring portion extends from the fixed portion;
the first spring portion includes two pressed portions, a movable starting point and a movable end portion which is movable;
each of the two pressed portions is positioned between the movable end portion and the fixed portion;
when an inserting object is moved along a moving direction which is the forward direction or the rearward direction, the pressed portions are pressed by a press portion to be moved downward perpendicular to the moving direction;
the inserting object is the card or a card adapter;
the inserting object has the press portion;
the card adapter has a frame body;
the frame body has an outer shape same as a shape of the card;
when the pressed portions are moved downward, the movable starting point is moved downward;
the second spring portion extends from the movable starting point;
the second spring portion is positioned between the two pressed portions in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the moving direction and a downward direction;
the second spring portion is provided with a free end and a contact point;
the contact point is to be brought into contact with the electrode of the card;
the contact point is positioned between the free end and the movable starting point; and
when the inserting object is moved in the moving direction, the second spring portion is moved downward together with a movement of the movable starting point so that the inserting object is prevented from being brought into contact with the free end of the second spring portion.
2. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
the holding member is formed with a receiving portion; and
when the pressed portions are pressed by the press portion to deform the contact, the receiving portion movably receives the movable end portion.
3. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
the holding member incorporates a receiving portion;
the receiving portion is made of metal; and
when the pressed portions are pressed by the press portion to deform the contact, the receiving portion movably receives the movable end portion.
4. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
the first spring portion has a first beam portion, a second beam portion and a coupling portion;
the coupling portion couples the first beam portion with the second beam portion in the lateral direction;
one of the pressed portions is provided as a part of the first beam portion;
a remaining one of the pressed portions is provided as a part of the second beam portion; and
the movable starting point is provided as a part of the coupling portion.
5. The connector as recited in claim 4 , wherein:
the first beam portion has a first upper surface;
the second beam portion has a second upper surface; and
when the contact is seen along the lateral direction, the free end of the second spring portion is positioned below the first upper surface of the first beam portion and below the second upper surface of the second beam portion.
6. The connector as recited in claim 4 , wherein:
the first beam portion has a first front end portion;
the second beam portion has a second front end portion; and
the movable end portion comprises the first front end portion and the second front end portion.
7. The connector as recited in claim 4 , wherein:
the first beam portion has a first front end portion;
the second beam portion has a second front end portion;
the first spring portion has a connection end portion which connects the first front end portion with the second front end portion; and
the movable end portion is formed as a part of the connection end portion.
8. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
the moving direction is the rearward direction;
the card has a first front edge;
the card adapter has a second front edge;
when the card is inserted into the connector, the first front edge functions as the press portion; and
when the card adapter is inserted into the connector, the second front edge functions as the press portion.
9. The connector as recited in claim 8 , wherein:
the connector comprises a front contact and a rear contact;
the front contact functions as the contact;
the front contact is positioned forward of the rear contact;
the rear contact is held by the holding member;
the second spring portion extends forward from the movable starting point;
the second spring portion has a front end; and
the front end functions as the free end.
10. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
the inserting object is the card adapter;
the moving direction is the forward direction;
the frame body has an inner wall;
the press portion is a part of the inner wall; and
the press portion intersects the forward direction.
11. The connector as recited in claim 10 , wherein:
the connector comprises a front contact and a rear contact;
the front contact is held by the holding member;
the front contact is positioned forward of the rear contact;
the rear contact functions the contact;
the second spring portion extends rearward from the movable starting point;
the second spring portion has a rear end; and
the rear end functions as the free end.
12. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
the connector further comprises a shell;
the shell is attached to the holding member;
the shell forms an accommodation portion together with the holding member;
the accommodation portion accommodates, at least in part, the inserting object;
the holding member has a principal surface which forms a bottom surface of the accommodation portion; and
in a state where the inserting object is not accommodated in the accommodation portion, the free end of the second spring portion is positioned above the principal surface of the holding member.
13. The connector as recited in claim 1 , wherein;
the connector is fixed on a mount surface of a circuit board when used; and
the free end of the second spring portion is provided so as not to reach the mount surface of the circuit board in a state where the electrode of the card is brought into contact with the contact point.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2014079932A JP5718506B1 (en) | 2014-04-09 | 2014-04-09 | connector |
JP2014-079932 | 2014-04-09 |
Publications (2)
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US20150294125A1 true US20150294125A1 (en) | 2015-10-15 |
US9531101B2 US9531101B2 (en) | 2016-12-27 |
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ID=53277428
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US14/618,093 Active US9531101B2 (en) | 2014-04-09 | 2015-02-10 | Connector |
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US (1) | US9531101B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5718506B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101679274B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104979658B (en) |
TW (1) | TWI535117B (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US9431743B2 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2016-08-30 | Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited | Connector |
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JP1552814S (en) * | 2015-11-04 | 2016-06-27 | ||
JP1552813S (en) * | 2015-11-04 | 2016-06-27 | ||
CN107039804A (en) * | 2017-04-12 | 2017-08-11 | 东莞市金比莱电子有限公司 | A kind of improved two-way mobile phone deck |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20150117208A (en) | 2015-10-19 |
CN104979658B (en) | 2017-07-28 |
JP5718506B1 (en) | 2015-05-13 |
US9531101B2 (en) | 2016-12-27 |
TW201541720A (en) | 2015-11-01 |
TWI535117B (en) | 2016-05-21 |
KR101679274B1 (en) | 2016-11-24 |
CN104979658A (en) | 2015-10-14 |
JP2015201365A (en) | 2015-11-12 |
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